Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of a HMGA2 Prognostic Test for Acute Myeloid Leukemia in a Canadian Setting.

Background: Current strategies for risk stratification of patients with acute myeloid leukemia assign approximately 40% of patients to the intermediate-risk group, where uncertainty about optimal therapy still persists.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the cost effectiveness of a HMGA2 prognostic test based on HMGA2/HMGA2 expression, which improves genetic risk stratification in acute myeloid leukemia, and compare this test with the current standard of care in Canada.

Methods: A cost-effectiveness model was developed from the Canadian National Healthcare Service and societal perspective using data from the Quebec Leukemia Cell Bank, published literature, and physician surveys.

Correction: High expression of HMGA2 independently predicts poor clinical outcomes in acute myeloid leukemia.

Since the publication of the original article the authors noticed the the affiliation details for Paresh Vyas are incorrect. The correct affiliation details for this author are given below.

Reliable assessment of the incidence of childhood autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

Background: Childhood autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a rare and severe disease characterized by hemolysis and positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT). Few epidemiologic indicators are available for the pediatric population. The objective of our study was to reliably estimate the number of AIHA cases in the French Aquitaine region and the incidence of AIHA in patients under 18 years old.

ATF5 polymorphisms influence ATF function and response to treatment in children with childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Asparaginase is a standard and critical component in the therapy of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Asparagine synthetase (ASNS) and the basic region leucine zipper activating transcription factor 5 (ATF5) and arginosuccinate synthase 1 (ASS1) have been shown to mediate the antileukemic effect of asparaginase and to display variable expression between leukemia cells that are resistant and sensitive to treatment. Fourteen polymorphisms in the regulatory and coding regions of these genes were investigated for an association with acute lymphoblastic leukemia outcome.